Abstract: The present invention provides a parylene-based membrane filter device for capturing of circulating tumor cells (CTC). The membrane filter has an array of holes having a predetermined geometric design with precisely controlled size, shape and density. In one aspect, the device has a stack of substantially parallel membrane filters with uniformly-spaced and/or monodispersed holes.

Abstract: The invention provides parylene membrane filters, filter devices and methods of making them and using them in the mechanical separation of cells and particles by size. The provision of parylene membrane filters with high figures of merit and finely controlled hole sizes allows the separation of cells and particles in a variety of biological and other fluids according to sizes.

Abstract: A reusable microplate kit for use in the life sciences industry includes a microplate and a removable lid. The microplate includes a sample area with a plurality of individual wells and a hollow outer frame formed around the sample area, the frame being shaped to include a plurality of openings in its top surface. The lid includes a plate, a plurality of latches formed on the underside of the plate and a compressible gasket affixed to the underside of the plate. In use, the lid is mounted on the microplate by inserting each latch through a corresponding opening until the latch snaps into engagement with the frame. In this manner, the plate and gasket together serve to seal off each well from the outside environment. The microplate kit additionally includes a tool for disengaging the lid from the microplate and thereby assist in their separation.

Abstract: A method for analysis of solvent evaporation patterns includes: continuously evacuating the gas of a single-component or multicomponent solvent evaporated under desired evaporation conditions from an object containing the single-component or multicomponent solvent housed in an airtight container, with evacuation means from the airtight container to an exhaust path connected to an exhaust port of the evacuation means; sampling a gas at predetermined time intervals from a desired point between the airtight container and the outlet of the exhaust path with the continuous evacuation maintained; measuring the solvent gas contained in the sampled gas; and determining an evaporation pattern of the solvent from the object under the desired evaporation conditions, from results of the measurement.

Abstract: A device and a process for testing a sample liquid in which especially the ELISA process can be carried out very easily, rapidly and with high precision. To do this, a sample liquid and a dilution liquid are each supplied to several metering chambers of different volumes, so that the sample liquid can be diluted into assigned reaction chambers in one dilution step in different dilution ratios. Different liquids can be supplied in succession to the reaction chambers by means of a common receiving chamber. The liquids are transferred from the reaction chambers into the assigned test chambers to stop the detection reaction.

Abstract: A detection device and method for detecting the presence of an agent in a fluid. The device includes a membrane having first and second sides. The membrane allows a stimulus, e.g. ultraviolet light, to dissolve in response to presence of the agent. A source is positioned on a first side of the membrane. The source sources the stimulus toward the membrane. A detection structure is disposed on the second side of the membrane for detecting the stimulus. The detection structure generates an output voltage in response to the intensity of the stimulus detected. As the membrane dissolves, the intensity of the stimulus detected changes.

Abstract: Methods are presented for realizing zero-dispersion segmented flow for transfer of small microfluidic samples onto or within microfluidic analysis or processing devices. Where fluidic systems are in whole or in part made of materials favorable to the zero-dispersion conditions for an indicated solvent/carrier fluid system, the system may be covalently coated to impart the necessary surface properties. This invention is demonstrated in an embodiment where 1 microliter samples (6) are robotically prepared and transferred through 3 meters of capillary tubing (4) to a microcoil NMR probe.

Abstract: A tissue cassette assembly includes a housing having a recess formed therein, and a compressible reservoir disposed partially or wholly inside of, or otherwise attached in fluid communication with, the housing recess, the compressible reservoir containing a tissue embedding material. The tissue cassette further includes a port disposed in the housing, the port in fluid communication with the compressible reservoir at one end and terminating in a sample cavity at another end. During operation, the compressible reservoir is compressed or squeezed to release the tissue embedding material into the sample cavity containing the biological sample.

Abstract: A sample block for use in the polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and other procedures that involve the performance of simultaneous reactions in multiple samples with temperature control by heating or cooling elements contacting the bottom surface of the block is improved by the inclusion of hollows in the block that are positioned to decrease the mass of the block in the immediate vicinity of the wells.

Abstract: A measurement cell 1 includes: an opening part 106 for supplying a sample into a sample holding part 105 for holding a sample; an optical window portion for allowing light to enter the sample holding part 105 and allowing light to exit the sample holding part 105; a protection cover 101 for protecting the optical window portion, provided along the circumference of the sample holding part 105; and a first protection-cover-holding part 102 for holding the protection cover 101 at the position where the optical window portion is covered.

Abstract: A method of detecting rpoB sequences of Mycobacterium tuberculosis present in a biological sample that includes steps of amplifying the M. tuberculosis rpoB sequence in vitro in a nucleic acid amplification mixture that includes specific disclosed primer sequences, and detecting the amplified sequences using multiple probes that provide sequence information by their specific hybridization to portions of the amplified nucleic acid. Compositions for amplifying and detecting in vitro the rpoB sequences of M. tuberculosis in a sample are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Bacteroides fragilis that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: Ecto-NTPDase function on Langerhans cells is demonstrated to counteract the nucleotide inflammatory response caused by certain types of chemical irritants. The present invention takes advantage of this observation by, first, providing methods for screening of chemicals for irritant potential based on their ability to induce nucleotide release from keratinocytes. Second, methods are provided for the prevention and treatment of inflammation using NTPDase protein or gene therapy. And third, there also are provided methods for screening candidate compounds for NTPDase modulatory activity, thereby identifying possible pro- and anti-inflammatory agents. Additionally, the role of NTPDases and P2 receptors in hyperactive immune conditions such as autoimmune diseases and allergic reactions such as allergic contact dermatitis has been demonstrated. Therefore, the invention also provides methods for the prevention and treatment of hyperactive immune conditions by using NTPDase inhibitors and/or P2 receptor inhibitors.

Abstract: The DNA probes produced by molecular cloning and the characterization of specific gene region sequences is provided, these can be used as genetic markers for the genes such as Cytochrome b (cyt b); Mitochondrial control region (D-Loop); Inter Transcribed Spacers (ITS2) and Rhodopsin (ROD), 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA in mesopelagic lantern fishes which are found in the mesopelagic zones of the oceans where the photic regime is of dim light and associate themselves with the oxygen minimum layer, it also includes the recombinant DNA techniques for the preparation of specific gene probes and sequences of species specific primers of lantern fishes, novel gene probes and novel oligonucleotides for amplification of myctophid genes are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions wherein nucleic acids are associated with a solid phase that comprises a carboxylated substrate. In specific embodiments, precipitation of the nucleic acids occurs in the absence of salt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reproducible method to determine flocculating properties of bottom fermenting yeast, at a short time, easily and quickly, without fermentation. It is characterized in using an ORF sequence of a flocculation gene FLO5 of laboratory's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for detecting a risk of hypertension and for targeting antihypertensive treatment in a subject, the method comprising isolating genomic DNA from said subject, determining the DNA sequence comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a variant ?2B-adrenoceptor protein.

Abstract: This invention provides in vitro processes for producing copies of specific nucleic acids using protein-nucleic acid constructs which are part of conjugates which are introduced into cells. Illustrative of the elements useful in these constructs for producing copies of specific nucleic acids are promoters, sequences coding for proteins or providing templates for transcription, and RNA polymerases.

Abstract: A method and a package for identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms in Fc?RI is useful in identifying individual susceptibility to a disease. Fc?RI is active as a cellular receptor of IgA. The susceptibility and severity of an IgA related disease is determined by genotyping or phenotyping an individual for Fc?RI.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for synthesis of nucleic acids to amplify an intended nucleic acid in a region in which a GC content is rich, wherein a polyhydric alcohol and/or ammonium sulfate is present in an amplification reaction solution. According to the present invention, it is possible to amplify nucleic acids in a GC rich region efficiently and directly from a sample such as blood containing lots of PCR inhibitory substances without undergoing a process of isolating and purifying the nucleic acid, even though conducting PCR in the GC rich region tends to be difficult using conventional processes even if purified DNA is used.